The Surrey Mountie Filmed by Creep Catchers Has Been Charged

He was filmed running away from the camera of self-described vigilante pedophile hunters as they broadcasted the video live on Facebook to thousands of viewers earlier this month. Now Surrey RCMP have charged Constable Dario Devic with child luring and breach of trust.

Creep Catchers and other vigilante groups have grabbed headlines across the country for their controversial approach to outing child predators. Posing online as underage girls, they bait men into meeting children and confront the alleged pedophiles in person with cameras rolling. BC sheriff Kevin Johnston was charged after a similar sting earlier this month.

The charges against Constable Devic likely wouldn't have happened if BC RCMP hadn't been tipped off by the Creep Catchers video on social media. The group claimed Devic had intended to meet a 14-year-old for sex. RCMP launched their own investigation shortly after and announced the charges Friday afternoon.

Read More: Creep Catchers Are Gaining Momentum After Busting a BC Mountie and Sheriff

Earlier this week, CTV News reported that two teen girls were removed from the officer's home. The 14-year-olds were homestay students, an unnamed source told CTV.

Devic's defence lawyer sent a statement to several media outlets yesterday saying his client was eager to have the matter heard in court. The lawyer noted the vigilante group Creep Catchers has previously misidentified an officer.

Police have routinely discouraged vigilante pedophile stings. Social media sites have also made efforts to crack down on Creep Catchers. The Surrey chapter's YouTube page, for example, was recently terminated for violating community guidelines.

Devic's next court date is set for October 19. The Surrey chapter of Creep Catchers released a video late Friday that asked supporters to meet at the courthouse on that day.

Devic is currently out on bail, on condition that he not use the internet or come into contact with children under 16.

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